(Eljriaimaa $ni»? 

(FELIX AETERNUS) 

A CHRISTMAS PLAY IN THREE ACTS 
INTERSPERSED WITH SINGING 

By Rev. Andrew Klarmann, A.M. 

FOURTH EDITION 


REVISED AND ANNOTATED 
. .. ‘Printed as (Manuscript .,. 



Frederick Pustet Company, Inc. 


NEW YORK 
52 BARCLAY STREET 


CINCINNATI 
436 MAIN STREET 


















®ltr (Eljrtatmaa Into 

(FELIX AETERNUS) 

A CHRISTMAS PLAY IN THREE ACTS 
INTERSPERSED WITH SINGING 

By Rev. Andrew, Klarmann, A. M. 


FOURTH EDITION 


REVISED AND ANNOTATED 
. .. ‘Printed as eXCanuscript ... 



Frederick Pustet Company, Inc. 

NEW YORK CINCINNATI 

52 BARCLAY STREET 436 MAIN STREET 









PM(o\3^o 

•CSKS 


Copyright 1922, 
By A. Klarmann 


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IMPORTANT 

1. The royalty on this play is fifteen dollars ($15.00) for 
each performance on the stage, whether public or private, to 
be paid to the author. This text is manuscript, and is printed 
only for convenience. 

2. The notes and spacings by dashes and italics in the 
text are for the direction of young players, and not for the 
grammarian. The chief difficulty with young amateurs is to 
keep them from galloping through their lines, and to make them 
see that what they are saying and doing is interwoven with 
what everybody else on the stage is saying and doing. 

3. For No. 12 of the score, the setting found in this 
text may be substituted, if desired; especially as it must be 
sung unison at its repetition in the same act. 

The Author. 







CAST OF CHARACTERS. 


Felix Aeternus .The Holy Child. 

Bella .The Christmas Bride 

Edith .The Mother of Bella 

Agnes .A Sick Friend of Bella 

Marion ...The Mother of Agnes 

Nancy (Rhoden).The Maiden Aunt of Bella 

Maid (of Nancy). 

Robert .A Boy Friend of Agnes 


Bessie, the leader—and a number (more than twelve) of other 
school girls, classmates of Agnes, in the First Act. 

Catherine, Molly, and nine others, in the Second Act. 

Chorus of at least six female voices, to sing the various 
choruses, and to assist the children’s singing as indicated 
in the score. 


NOTES. 

1. All the Girls in the first act are dressed in white, uniformly— 
for that surprise party. 

The Girls in the second act appear in plain school frocks. Babette 
in vfell-worn clothes and shoes: she is the “rag-doll.”—These girls must 
not be the same in both acts. 

2. The Maid may be any one of the chorus. 

3. The garb of Felix: A white gown of silk with gold borders at 
collar and sleeves and suitable cincture; white stockings and sandals. 
His hair should be light or brown and curly: the traditional picture of 
the Holy Child, as, for example, the Boy represented among the doctors 
in the temple (Imhoff). 











The Christmas Bride 


Scene 


ACT I. 

.A Sick Boom. Agnes, composed in an easy chair, (Morris 
chair) clad in a dainty wrap (or kimono). She is reclining 
her head on the pillows, with eyes closed, and hands folded 
over her coverlet. Opposite her position—a small table 
prepared for the sick-room. 

In the center, to the rear, a shrine with a statue of 
the Holy Infant upon it. The shrine is draped with cur¬ 
tains running on rings (to insure smooth running) and 
suspended from semi-circular rods. The rods are fastened 
on the background of the shrine. The curtains should be 
made of white material lined with pale blue, and the back¬ 
ground of the shrine should be covered with the same 
material as the lining of the curtains. Two neat candle- 
holders with (unlighted) candles should be placed on the 
shrine.—The shrine must be so constructed as to support 
a boy of 10 or 12 years. 

Simultaneously with the rising of the curtain, the 
Chorus begins to sing behind the scene. 

At the line: “Be not afraid, etc.,” Agnes wonderingly 
opens her eyes, and then follows the singing attentively, 
and at the conclusion: “You are His Own/’ she smiles 
faintly with satisfaction. 

Chorus (behind the scene). 

1. The wind is high, the wind is wild— 

Be not afraid, you little child! 

The winter days are hard and long, 

And winter’s song is bitter song. 

But when you sob, and when you sigh, 

Do not forget that God is nigh. 

In suffering you are not alone, 

You are His own: you are His own. 


s 




Enter Marion (in mourning, with a vase of fresh flowers 
which she places on the shrine. Then, after a short pause 
of prayer, she proceeds to Agnes,). 

Marion .Are you comfortable, my child?—Can I do anything for 

you?—Do you wish for anything? (Smooths the pillows). 

Agnes . (Sadly). —Is this not Christmas, mother?—Where is our 

Christmas Tree?— (Gravely).— Has the Holy Child forgot 
us, too?— (Drawing the cover close at her shoulders): I am 
all cold and chilled. 

Marion . (Kneeling down at Agnes' side).— God has not forgot us, 

dear.—He was as poor as we are, that first Christmas night, 
when He came into this world.—He is dealing kindly by 
us, I think, after His own fashion, to let us imitate Him 
in His poverty. 

Agnes .Yes, mother, I believe it:—God is good, even when He 

chastises us.—He Himself chose to be laid on straw, in a 
manger, in a stall!—Oh, I am satisfied! I am much more 
comfortable than He was. 

Marion . (Laying a hand on Agnes’ head, caressingly).— Godspeed 

to my plucky little martyr! 

Agnes .I wonder why the Son of God selected a lot of lowliness 

and pain? 

Marion .It is no mystery, dear, if we look at it from our side: there 

is so much lowliness and suffering in the world—and He 
wants to teach us by His example how to bear it. 

Agnes .But why does God not take all this misery away? He is 

all good and all powerful! 

Marion .Agnes, it is not God who makes this misery. It is man 

himself. God would have to take man away in order to 
stop sin. For it is sin that is followed by misery and 
suffering of all kinds. 

Agnes . (Dejectedly) —Then I am sick on account of my sins? 

Marion .No, child.—Sickness and other ills, it is true, were brought 

into the world by sin. But they are often allowed to over¬ 
take us as trials—to make us repent, and think of God.— 
Or, again, to purify our affections. 

Agnes .Yes, that is so.—We were taught it in school. But I 

never understood it so well. 


6 














Marion .Ah, indeed, Agnes: misfortune is a faithful reminder of 

what we have been taught.—But now, dear, keep yourself 
as quiet as you can. Since you had that hemorrhage, this 
morning, you must not speak much—it is the doctor’s 
orders. ( Arises.) 

Agnes .0 mother: I must die in any event. ( Marion, affrighted, 

quickly kneels down again.)— So, please, let me chat a 
little this last Christmas of mine here on earth. 

Marion . (startled and nervous).— You must not think of dying, 

Agnes!—Let us pray to the Holy Child: He will give you 
back your health.—0 Agnes! I cannot let you die. 

Agnes .I have already prayed very earnestly to-night.—And in 

the midst of my prayer, a little while ago, I thought I 
heard an earnest and most comforting song.—Now, you 
have often told me, mother, that children who hear the 
angels sing on Christmas night, must die— 

Marion .Of course, they must die—We all must die, Agnes.—It 

is an old fireside tale for which none wishes to be sponsor. 
You are so weak: I think you were dreaming. (Soft pre¬ 
lude to Chorus.) 

Agnes. _..No, no, mother dear.—Do you hear— ? 

(During Chorus Marion and Agnes listen attentively , 
with heads close together and in close embrace.) 

Chorus. 

2. The Child from Heaven cometh down 
This blessed Christmas tide. 

Of blossoms bright He brings a crown 
To put upon His bride.— 

(The next two stanzas may be omitted.) — 

He seeks a pure and pious child 
To take into His house. 

A soul all fair and undefiled, 

To be His Christmas spouse. 

A heart He seeks, a treasure chest, 

In which His grace to hide. 

0 happy soul of Jesus blest 
To be His chosen bride! 

(During the following solo, Marion caresses the head and 
hands of Agnes.) 


7 








Agnes .Did I not tell you, mother?— (Sings): 

Agnes' Goodbye. 

3. Goodbye to you, my mother dear! 

I feel the bliss of Heaven near.— 

I am so cold—this world is drear— 

Oh, let me go away from here! 

Come, mother sweet— (lays her cheek on Marion ’s) — 
Oh, come with me, 

Our loving Lord and God to see! 

Chorus. 

4. Forget it not that God is nigh 

Who hears your heart in anguish cry.— 

Oh, let the soul to Heaven fly— 

Do not delay your last goodbye! 

Marion. 

5. My child, my child, my only child! 

You must not dread the winter’s storm. 

The winter’s storm is cold and wild. 

But come to me! My heart is warm. 

Duet, behind the scene. 

6. Come to my heart, my love, my dear! 

(Enter Bessie: a look of sympathy at Agnes—then touches 
Marion on the shoulder.—Marion arises and follows Bessie 
a few steps to the rear, where they whisper together for 
an instant. Bessie asks whether or not she may bring in 
her friends.— Marion nods.) 

Where there is suffering, God is near. 

Chorus. 

Come to my heart, my love, my dear! 

Where there is suffering, God is near. 

(At the last note, a number of children in white—more 
than twelve—enter slowly, with their hands folded, sing¬ 
ing, and arrange themselves in a semi-circle around the 
room, facing Marion and Agnes. The larger—or—older— 
ones, among them Bessie —close to Marion standing— 
and Agnes. Bessie is bearing a white frock on her arm.) 


8 



Chorus and Children. 

7. 0 Holy Child from Heaven high! 

We long so much (raising eyes) to see Thee nigh. 

Come down to-night (raising hands), we pray to Thee, 
Our little friend (point right hand at Agnes, laying 
left on right hr east) from suffering free! 

0 Holy Child, Our Savior fair, 

Laid in a manger chill and bare: 

Grant from Thy Heart of mercy mild 
The prayer of Thy suffering child! 

(The same gestures, where appropriate.) 

Bessie . (the leader, steps out of line, and forward).— We have 

arranged this little surprise for you, Agnes, to wish you 
a Happy Christmas.—We hope and pray—that you will 
soon join us again—in our games and at school.— (Dis¬ 
playing the frock.) —Here we bring you a small gift from 


us all, to show you that we have not forgot you in 
your suffering, but love you as much as ever .—(Presents 
the frock.) — 

Agnes . (accepting).— 0 my dear friends!—How good of you!— 

God bless you!—I shall wear this dress in Heaven. 

Girls . (startled). —Agnes! (All moving forward, forming a 

smaller semi-circle, two or three deep, about Agnes and 
Marion, showing surprise and pain.) 

Agnes .Yes, dear friends: my days on earth are numbered.— 

Mother, when we shall rise on the last day, shall we wear 
these same clothes in which we are buried ? 

Marion . (moved). —No dear.—God will vest us with the robe of 


heavenly glory .—(To the children.)— Children, Agnes 
thinks she will die to-night. (Commotion and fear.)— She 
does not look so very ill, does she ? (Children shake their 

heads dubiously.) 

Bessie . (dubious). —N-no, madame.— (To Agnes, leaning over the 

chair, talking earnestly.)—Agnes, I am sure you will not 
die.—We will not let you die.—I will stay with you all 
night—and we all will pray for you.—You will be well 
to-morrow, on Christmas Day. 

(Knocking at the door—opposite this group.) 

Marion .Come in! (To Agnes ) :—Is it Bella? (Agnes brightens 

up.) 


9 









Bessie .No, I think not.—Bella is giving a “ party ” at her house 

this evening. 

Agnes .I know it, Bessie. (Draws a card from under the coverlet.) 

—I have a card from Bella.—I was to be one of her 
guests—but— (hands the card to Bessie,).— 

Bessie .It would, indeed, be a pleasure to be Bella’s guest.—She 

is the sweetest friend we have (hands bach card). 

Marion .I will see who knocked— (goes toivards the door, slowly). 

Bessie .That must be a boy!—A girl could find her way in here 

without the assistance of an usher. 

(^Marion opens the door. Robert stands motionless in the 
door for a moment, then proceeds—after bowing to Marion 
and making excuse as below—down front, opposite the 
group, Marion amusedly watching him.) 

Robert .Excuse me, madame! But I could not open the door: I 

have both my hands full of doll! 

Enter Robert (with a large dressed doll in both arms.) 

Bessie. (to the Girls )—Just as I told you— ! 

Robert .Good evening, ladies! 

All .Good evening, Robert! (All smiling and bowing.) — 

Robert .I wish you all a happy feastday. (Advances to Agnes.,) 

All Girls. ..We wish you the same, Bob. And many more. 

Robert. (to the Girls, with a bow;,).—Thanks.—The same to you. 

(To Agnes .)— Agnes, my mother sends you and your 
mother her best wishes—and for yon—(holding doll up 
high)—this!—(Lays down doll on Agnes' lap.) Isn’t 
she a beauty ? 

Agnes .Thank you, Robert!—And, please, give my sincerest thanks 

to your kind mother. 

Bessie. .Well, Bob, you are a good little fellow! 

Robert .Now, Bessie, wouldn’t you like (walks away to former posi¬ 

tion) to pat me a little for this?—Oh, if my mother had a 
girl —she would not send me out with a big doll.—But now 
I am glad, Agnes, that I did come. 

Marion. (coming forward).— Robert, please, give my respects and 

thanks to your mother. It is very kind of her to remember 
us on this occasion. (Gives Robert her hand.) 


10 

















Robert .Don’t mention it, madame.—My mother is good to every¬ 

body ; even to me. ("Marion lays a hand on Robert’s head.) 

Bessie .Well, Bob! Who wouldn’t be good to you! 

Robert .Yes, Bess: You don’t know—the inside history of a family 

—with six boys on the training list.—But I am out of place 
here, girls. This is a ladies’ meeting. (Bows.) — Good 
„ night (to Marion ). (Walks over to Agnes, gives her a 
hand.)—Good night, Agnes. (To All.)— Good night, girls. 

( Agnes and Marion respond immediately to Robert .) 

All Girls. ..Good night (and fall to singing the chorus—the chorus 
behind the scenes assisting.) 

Chorus (on the stage). 

8. Good night, good night, good night to you, 

To every heart that’s light and true! 

From Heaven come the angels bright 
To bid to all the world good night. 

(Both Choruses together.) 

To every heart that’s filled with anguish, 

To every heart that’s true and light. 

To those who laugh and those who languish: 

(Looking at Agnes J 
To every child of God—good night! 

And to all the boys (the girls bowing to Robert,) — 
("Robert, bowing to the girls, alone): 

and the good girls, too, 

.. Let but their hearts be light and true: 

Good night!—Come Holy Child! (All eyes and hands 
upwards, until Nancy appears. She bursts in on them, 
quickly, and abruptly. Then, all are disturbed, and dis¬ 
appointedly fall back a step.) 

(Enter Nancy .) 

(sharply—with a look of disdain)— Yes? i( Come, Holy 
Child?’’—(shrugs a shoulder)— Good evening!—Fine 
sight, indeed! A feast for a crowd, and you— (to Marion,) 
owing me my rent for two months!—Madame, I want my 
my money—and I want it to-night. 

Miss Nancy, I have no money. 


(All) 


Nancy 


Marion 


11 








Nancy. .... .Ah, you have no money!—Not for me, of course.—But— 
(points at dress and doll)—you have had money for costly 
gifts.—You must pay your debts before you indulge your 
tastes: that’s the first law of economy. 

Robert . .(lustily).— Miss Flint: (Marion winces, Nancy is stung 

to the quick, the Girls all exclaim : Ah—!) That doll is 
a present from my mother. (Robert shows himself 
nettled.) 

Bessie ...... And this dress is a gift to Agnes from her schoolmates. 

Nancy . (haughtily to Marion,).— Madame, I will not be insulted in 

my own house! Remember it: My name is not—Miss 
Flint (emphatically). 

Marion .I am exceedingly sorry, Miss Rhoden. But Robert does 

not know you by your true name. 

Nancy .That boy is a precocious urchin of the street.—You should 

not tolerate him here. 

Marion .Pardon me, Miss Rhoden: but Robert is a good boy. 

All Girls ... (saucily and emphatically).—Yes, Robert is good enough 
for us!—(R obert acknowledges the compliment by assum¬ 
ing a pose of dignity.) — 

Robert .Miss Rhoden, I am glad I know your right name now. I 

did not know it before this. I have sometimes heard other 
children speak of you as Miss Flint. And so I also made 
this mistake. 

Nancy . (interested).— And what else did other children call me, 

or say of me,—pray—my lord? 

Robert .Oh, they say many things of you:—That you have no con¬ 

sideration for the poor;—that you dispossess your tenants, 
even when they are sick—if they do not “come up” on the 
first—and the like.—A good deal more. But I have for¬ 
got it.—Only, they call you Miss Flint.— I shall not call 
call you that any more. 

Nancy . (exasperated).— You need not call me anything, you sor¬ 

rowful snip of humanity.— (Makes a lunge at Robert,). 
Get out of my sight!— (Robert quickly runs over to 
Marion .) (To Marion. ) Come to terms now— 

Bessie . (interrupting).— Miss Fli— (conscious of her false pass, 

Bessie lays a hand on her lips for an instant— All Girls : 
— O-oh!).—Miss Rhoden: Robert’s father will not have 
you call him a “sorrowful snip of humanity!”—Why, this 
is awful!— You had better apologize. 


12 














Nancy .Bah, a fig for you all! (Snaps her fingers.) 

Robert .I shall keep this to myself.—I am not hurt. 

Marion .Peace, Robert! (Pats his shoulder.)—May God keep you 

so!— (To Nancy .) — But, Miss Rhoden, I can make no pay¬ 
ment now.—Lately misfortune has been clinging to our 
heels like our very shadows.—This child’s father (points 
to Agnes,) is dead only a month, after a long and severe 
term of sickness.—And now, since father died, Agnes has 
not been herself again.—She is wasting and pining away, 
and requires constant care. I have barely had time enough 
to earn the little —that has enabled us to keep the wolf from 
the door. 

Nancy .Oh now! No harrowing tales of woe.—They will not move 

me.—I want my rent. 

Girls .How hard she is! 

Bessie . (aside).— She should be called “Miss Adamant.” (Bessie, 

with a scowl, runs and closes the veils of the shrine.) 

Marion .It is Christmas Eve—Nancy (coaxingly)! 

Nancy .I know it.—A day of plenty.—That is what brought me 

here.—But, please, drop all familiarity. It will not avail 
with me. 

Marion .Have mercy, for God’s sake!—My child— ("Nancy looks 

at Agnes — Agnes makes a futile effort to extend her arms 
towards Nancy—Nancy turns away, shuddering) —is sick 
unto death .—(Desperately): You would not evict us in 
this plight ? 

Nancy.. _ (without turning to Marion).— I want my rent.—I must 

live, too. 

Marion .Give us time, please!—For the love of the poor Christ, 

Our Savior! 

Bessie . (To Nancy,).— Have you no spark of pity in your breast— ? 

Nancy . (wickedly).—I tell you for the last time— (All Girls are 

taking a step forward, with energy, as if ready for an attack 
on Nancy).— Give me my— (the piano anticipates) 
Money! 


13 















Chorus (behind the scene). 

(During the chorus, Marion and Robert retreat to the 
shrine.) 

9. Money, to hoard and to hold! (The children gather close 
around Nancy.) 

A bagful of glittering, curse-laden gold, 

To pave me the way and level it well, 

The way to perdition, the highway of hell. 

Nancy . (frantically).— What is this! 

(Children fall bach and join in the singing—taken a-back 
at Nancy’s fear). 

1 ‘ Now rest thee, my soul! Thou hast plentiful fare. 

Now rest thee from labor, and trouble, and care.— 
Thou ioo\\—(The children point their fingers at her) — 
Thy money drops from thy hand. 

This night thou shalt in judgment stand: 

And all thy wealth, if thou do not mend, 

Will not be enough to buy thee a friend. ”x) 

( Nancy utters a groan, and stopping her ears, exit.—The 
girls all clap their hands.) 

All Girls. . . Good riddance !— At last she is taking a hint ! 

Bessie . (briskly)— What do we w T ant with a vampire in our midst! 

Marion . (coming forward— Robert following her with his eyes) — 

No, children, no!— Do not say it!—Now that she is mad¬ 
dened unto fury,—beware—lest she will aggravate our 
troubles! 

Bessie .There’s not a trouble—but will yield to prayer: I would 

not rack my soul with idle fears. 

Marion .God bless your faith, dear child!— I will take heart. 

(Kneels down at Agnes’ side, all kneeling with her in 
semi-circle, Robert at left end.) 

Good God, who dost not thrust aside the poor, 

I offer Thee myself, my child: my all. 

Have Thou compassion with my troubled soul, 

And give me strength to bear my cross in patience. 
Who earnest from, on high, down to this earth, 

As poor as we—pray, help us, lest we sink! 

(Marion buries her head in Agnes’ arms.) 

x) Paraphrase of Luke, 12.19. 


14 








Robert 


(walking over, quickly; lays a hand on Marion’s shoulder.) 
Madame, I have something in mind.—My father is rich, 
and good.—I will tell him of yonr plight—and ere the holi¬ 
days are by—trust me—your troubles shall he mended. 

Marion .God bless your noble heart \—( Bessie takes Robert by the 

hand—and goes to the shrine where they part the cur¬ 
tains.) — 

Bessie .Friends, let us lay our hearts into His (points to the shrine) 

hands—one with His heart that loves us all so well.—And 
as these hours with chant angelic ring—Kneel down— and 
with the angels let us sing! 

(All kneeling, facing the shrine.) 

Chorus (Children and Chorus). 

10. Thou wert so poor, my Savior meek, 

That holy night, with love so bright! 

The tears were glistening on Thy cheek, 

Poor Child Divine, that holy night. 

Thou wert so poor, so lonely laid, 

That holy night, in Heaven’s sight. 

A manger bare and hard, Thy bed, 

That night so bright with Heaven’s light! 

Now take my burning heart from me! 

It is aglow with love of Thee. 

(Illumination and Curtain.) 

END OF FIRST ACT. 



15 




ACT II. 

Sitting Room in the Hatton Home. 

Scene: . A Christmas Tree. Twelve parcels, neatly done up in the 

colors of the season, on a table near it. Under the table a 
footstool.—A dit'S. and Bella putting the finishing touches 
on the ornaments. Nancy, in street wear, seated to the 
side, forward, uneasily and wearily watching them .— Bella 
is in white. 


Nancy . (arising nervously).— Excuse me, pray!—I must go home 

to attend to things a little myself. (Aside.) —Such waste 
of time and good will! 

Edith . (coming forward).—Can I not persuade you, sister, to stay? 

It will gladden your heart to remain with us. You will 


witness the happiness of innocent childhood. It will recall 
the happy days of our own early life together at home.— 
Do you know, Nan, I am proud of this tree!—The sight 
of it will transport those poor wights with ecstacies of joy. 
(Bella quietly applauds the sentiments of her mother as 
expressed.) 

Nancy . (testily).— Edith, I do not understand that you, who w r ere 

reared in refined surroundings, should find pleasure in 
mixing with the poor—the squalor and coarseness of 
poverty.—These urchins will soil and ruin your carpets. 
And when they begin to frisk and frolic about, they will 
scratch or break your furniture.—Avast!—I will have none 
of this! (Moves to leave.)—I want to be out of here before 
your swarm of beggars arrives. 

Bella . (coaxingly taking Nancy's arm).— Please, do stay, aunt 

dear!—The children who are to be our guests are good and 
clean children.—Their parents are not wealthy, but they 
are respectable people.—And, please, aunt, do not overlook 
the spirit that moves us to do this— 


Nancy . (scornfully). Something very deep and pious, and re¬ 

ligious—of course? 

Bella .Please, aunt, do not sneer at religion and piety!—We 

cannot live without them. 

Nancy .Perhaps you could not, Bella— I can. 

Bella .But the poor can not.—They have little of the Christmas 


cheer that contributes so much to our happiness. 


16 











Nancy .Eating and drinking does not make anybody happy— 

Edith .Yes!—But just try, Nan, to be happy without a good, 

square meal, at least once in a while. 

Nancy .Humph! 

Bella .We are receiving our guests in the name of the Holy Child, 


who came down from Heaven upon this earth, making 
Himself poor, that He might enrich the poor, and warm up 
with His divine love the hearts of those who have earthly 
goods in abundance. 

Edith . .(caressing Bella,).—W ell done, my child!—This is the 

true Christmas spirit.—("To Nancy,).— “Who receives one 
of these little ones,” He said, “in my name, receives me.”— 
And we are about to receive a whole troop of them.—Stay, 
please, Nancy—now? 


Bella .Yes, aunt; please, stay with us.— I know—the joy of these 

children will touch your heart, and you will pray with 
greater devotion at the midnight Mass. 

Nancy . (beginning to waver). —Well, as to my heart’s being 


touched, I would take a chance.—But as to attending Mass 
—that is settled.—I do not intend to go. 

(Bella is scandalized. Edith frightened: they exchange 
looks of pain.) 


Edith .Nancy, how can you say such a thing!—We are all going, 

as is the custom of the family. (Taking hold of Nancy 
by the arms.) —You will surely come with us, Nan? 

Nancy . (sharply).— No!—I think not.—And I will tell you the 


reason, why: I have come to despise this whole community. 
—They are a set of snobs and frauds.—They are merci¬ 
lessly pouring out their wrath and envy over my head. 
They have dubbed me “Miss Flint!”—But I have a score 
to settle with some of them who owe me money.—Oh, it is 
the old story: I am the “maiden aunt.” Therefore every 
one feels free to pity and despise me.—No, I shall not go 
to church here any more; neither to-night nor at any 
time! 

Edith .But, Nancy, you do these people wrong.—The fault is all 

on your side.—Let me be frank with you as your sister 
should be: You have lately been leading a rather soli¬ 
tary and retired life. You are going out of the way of 
every one, rich or poor. You have succeeded in nursing 


17 












your solitude into an obsession. And you are persuading 
yourself that the timidity of your neighbors is due to lack 
of respect and sincerity. 

Nancy .And is that sobriquet, “Miss Flint/’ perhaps a mark of 

respect and sincerity? 

Edith. .It is not your social equals who call you such.—The chil¬ 

dren of the poor have—probably—never known your true 
name. 

Nancy .And from whom, do you think, have the children of the 

poor learned to call me 4 4 Miss Flint ? ’ ’ 

Edith .Well, Nan, you have frequent occasions to—to—to meet 

the poor—and— (confused). 

Nancy .And—what ? 

Edith .You can easily surmise what I would wish to say, but I 

shall refrain for Bella’s sake. 

Nancy .Oh, you may as well say it,—Bella is my niece. She should 

know me through her mother. 

Bella . (rushing to Edith hastily).— Don’t, please, mother!—You 


wanted to remind aunt of her tenants: (noticing the false 
pass she has made, Bella is confused, and lays a hand on 
her lips for an instant. Edith gives Bella a quick look 
of painful surprise.)— Don’t, please! (Recedes.)— Oh, 
how it pains me to think that Christmas comes so near the 
end of the month! 


Nancy .I trust you do not consider it a matter of your tender 

solicitude for the poor—to superintend my collections of 
rent? (Bella walks away, saddened.) 

Edith .Come, come, Nancy!—Let us drop this ungodly subject. 


Take off your hat and coat, and lend us a hand in our 
work of charity!—And at midnight you come to church 
with us! 


Nancy .You are very kind—and curt, Mrs. Hatton! 

Edith .Why should I not be curt with you, Nan!—Christmas is 


the most beautiful of feasts—a great birthday party for 
the whole world.—We must not fly away from sunshine: 
and we must not pass God by when He comes so close. 

Nancy . (irritated—moving across the room).— Oh, let God take 

care of those who need His help.—I do not need it— 
(piously folding her hands)— thank God! 


18 















(Edith and Bella are shocked.) 

Edith . (lays a hand on Nancy’s shoulder). —Sister!—It is not 

yonr heart that speaks this—I wanted to say—blasphemy. 
But it is, pardon me—silliness!—You rail at God and 
thank Him—all in one breath. 

Nancy . (with a nervous little laugh). —There now, Edith! You 

are the younger of us, but you are also the cooler and the 
wiser. (Takes off her hat.).— But I do not promise that I 
will go to church with you. ( Takes off her coat.) —However 
I will give you my services in making people happy—if you 
will have it your own way. 

(Edith and Bella exchange looks of triumph.) 

Edith . (kissing Nancy. At the kiss , Nancy winces).— Thank God 

for this victory—of yours! 

(As Edith, Bella, and Nancy are taking a few steps 
towards the table and the tree, eleven girls come rushing 
in, running and skipping gleefully.— Nancy immediately, 
with disgust, turns away, and seats herself at extreme left. 
—Edith and Bella, one at right, the other at left of the 
tree which the girls surround, receive the children, taking 
hold of the small ones and directing them to the tree .— 
As the girls come in, they shout loud—not boisterously— 
their salutations) : 


Girls .Merry Christmas, Bella—Mrs. Hatton—and Miss Rhoden! 

Edith and Bella— Merry Christmas, children. 

Girls . (surrounding the tree).— Ooh,—how glorious! 


(Then they sing, spontaneously): 

Children's Chorus. 

11. Holy night, silent night, 

Heaven’s light streaming bright! 
Nestling by that God-blest pair, 
Lovely Babe so pure and fair: 
Slumber in sweetest repose! 

Holy night, silent night! 

Son of God, our delight! 

Love doth beam and heavenly grace 
From Thy beautiful, gentle face: 
Welcome, Thou heavenly Child! 







(The girls break the circle behind the tree, and arrange 
themselves on either side: six on the left—of the stage — 
and five on the right. Molly is nearest to the tree on 
the right (facing the opening), and Catherine is nearest 
the foot lights on the same side. Babette has the same 
position as Catherine, on the left of the stage.— Edith, 
left center. Bella, right center): 

Molly. (clapping her hands ).—0 Bella! This tree must have come 

down from Heaven! 

Bella .No, Molly !—Angel hands can be found also here on earth. 

Babette .Where, Bella?—On you—perhaps!—Ours are not fine 

enough to do for angels. 

Bella. Charity has angel fingers, Babette.—But, my dear friends 

— {"Nancy squirms)— I have here twelve parcels for you, 
one for each: hats, shoes, warm frocks, dolls and toys, and 
sweets. 

Girls. (jumping) 0 goody, goody—Bella! 

Molly .Are our names on them, Bella ? ("Bella nods her head.) 

Babette .Have you a doll for me, Bella? ("Bella smiles and nods.) 

Nancy. (aside)— Yes—but let it be a rag doll—she needs a partner 

(with a look of contempt at poorly clad Babette,). 

Bella .I have a doll for you, Babette. But it is too big to fit 

into a box.—You shall have it later. (Addressing herself 
to All).—I hope, girls, you will enjoy this Christmas as 
much as I.—Tomorrow you shall be my guests at dinner.— 
("Nancy throws up her hands.) 

Catherine ... I think you are Miss Charity and Miss Goodness and Miss 
Bella all in one.—God bless you!—You are awfully good, 
Bella. 

All .Thank you, Miss Hatton!—We will all be here. 

Bella .Miss Hatton f (Looks quizzically at the girls.)— Well!— 

Since when this distance ? 

Molly .0 Bella—you are so good:—we cannot help admiring also 

how nice you are. 

Bella .We will let this pass, girls.—Don’t make me proud, please! 

—Now let me see: are all our guests come? (Counts 
silently ).—Only eleven?—Who is missing? 

Catherine ...(and those on her side, sadly).—Agnesi— Foot Agnes! 


20 















Bella .What is keeping Agnes at home?—Why, she is my dearest 

friend! 

Catherine. ..She is sick abed.—Her mother told me, with tears in her 
eyes, that Agnes needs more nourishment—and, I think, 
her mother, too.—And that Agnes is slowly dying. 

Molly .Yes, Bella: I saw Agnes only yesterday.—She cannot live 

much longer.—Isn’t it too bad for the poor dear thing! 
(Nancy turns away her face and puts up a hand to hide it.) 

Edith .Bella, this is the first I hear of their predicament.—If the 

condition of Agnes is so bad, you must visit them this 
evening and take the gifts yourself. 

Bella .I am anxious to go, mother— (much concerned). 

Edith . (going to Nancy ).—Very nice people, the Frondens.—But 

the father has been ailing lately, I have been told, which 
must account for their present want. 

Nancy .Yes, I know them fairly well. 

Bella .Oh, how painful it must be for the poor mother to see her 

child die!—And Agnes is the only one they have.—I wish 
I could die in her stead! 

Nancy . (exasperated and frightened).— Now listen to such foolish 

talk!— (Briskly stepping up to Bella’s side.) —You want 
to die!—What for?—Have you not everything you can 
desire ? 

Bella .Yes, aunt dear.— I am not dissatisfied.—But think of the 

suffering of the poor mother:—I know Agnes very inti¬ 
mately. She and her mother are but one heart and one 
soul. 

Edith . (very earnestly—struck to the quick). —Bella dear: we 

hold our lives in trust from God.— Let Him dispose 
of them according to His wisdom and love! (Embraces 
Bella, pressing Bella’s head to her breast.) 

Nancy . (nervously).— Do you think your mother would not feel the 

blow of your death so keenly as that woman will feel the 
death of her doll? (Bella does not react on Nancy’s 
scolding.) 

Catherine. ..But Agnes is really a dear little dear. —So gentle in her 
ways, and now—so patient in her suffering.—It would 
pain me, too, if she would die. 


21 













Nancy . (flying at her).—Will you keep.still, you pesky parrot?— 

Can you not wait until someone asks you for your opinion ? 

(To Edith.,)—I t is running in the blood with them! 
(Catherine wipes her eyes with her pinafore—the four 
girls on her side take her in their midst, comforting her, 
and shooting “daggers” at NancyJ 

Edith . (taking Nancy by the hand). —Peace, peace, Nan!— This 

loyal friendship of children should be a lesson to us.— 
(Draws Nancy away.) —Come!—Let them alone with Bella 
for a while. 

( Edith and Nancy move to door at left, Nancy taking 
her hat and coat.—At the door, Edith turns to the 
group and bows. —Nancy exit.) 


Edith .Good night, children!—God bless you! 

Children. . ..Good night, Mrs. Hatton!—God bless you very much 
(emphatically), Mrs. Hatton! 

Molly .Is that your aunt, Bella ? 

Bella .Yes, Molly. Miss Rhoden is my aunt.—Do you know—I 

am afraid she is ill. 

Molly .Well, she is certainly cross enough to be very ill. 

Bella . (regretfully)— Molly!— (Turns aside a little). 


Catherine ...(rushing to Molly— earnestly).— Oh Molly!—You have 
touched a sore spot in Bella’s heart:—Go and apologize to 
her.—You have hurt her feelings. 

Molly . (goes to Bella, takes Bella’s arm, and lays her head on 

Bella’s shoulder).— Bella, forgive me, please! I am sorry 
—I have said anything unkind of your aunt. 

Bella.I do believe that she is not herself to-night.—At all events 

let us not be harsh in our judgment. (Caresses Molly 
and releases her. Now Bella makes the table ready on 
which are the gifts.) 


Babette .That’s right, Bella.—My mother told me that only this 

morning. 

Catherine .. .Did you also say something unkind, Babette ? 

Babette .No—I only called baby a crank. —Mother said, baby was 

ill.—At any rate, baby was very—very —you know— ! 

Molly . (and those on her side). Yes, Babette! 

Molly . (alone). All babies are that way, sometimes, you know— 


22 















Bella 


Come now, dears!—Fall in line—I want to distribute your 
gifts to you. 

(The girls move up—starting with the one nearest to the 
tree on the left of the stage, so that Catherine is the first 
at the table, and Babette the last.—Those on the left will 
move around the tree until the first one connects the line 
with Molly. — Each as she receives her parcel thanks Bella 
with a bow and “Thank you, Bella”—“Merry Christmas, 
Bella”— i( Happy Feastday”—or . something similar, to 
avoid monotony.—After this, the girls will occupy their 
former positions, if they keep on moving to the last one. 

Felix joins the line at the end, entering quietly, fol¬ 
lowing Babette. He is bare-headed, wears a worn cloak , 
and sandals, and his typical garb concealed .— Bella 
mechanically hands him the last parcel, and he receives it, 
saying meekly: (< God bless you, Bella!”—As Bella looks 
up, he replaces the parcel on the table and lays a rose on 
it which he keeps covered under his left hand.— Note : The 
cloak can be made of worn material, of one piece, without 
sleeves or slits for the arms. When Felix uses his left 
arm—he is facing Bella from right center—he pushes it 
out at the opening, holding the cloak together inside with 
his other hand. The cloak—two inches shorter than the 
nether garment—should be fastened at the throat with a 
snap clasp which can easily be opened.) 

Felix Aeternus— God bless you, Bella! (The girls look up in sur¬ 
prise from their parcels.) 

Bella . (startled). —Well, well!—Now we have a twelfth guest. 

after all—and at that—a boy! (Felix Aeternus puts back 
his parcel, but keeps his hand on it.) Please, friend, keep 
your gift!—We shall have something else for Agnes.— But 
who are you ? 

Felix Aeternus—I am the brother of Agnes. (Girls giggle and whis¬ 
per to one another, keeping their eyes fixed on Felix 
Aeternus.) 


Bella. I have never known Agnes to have a brother! 

Felix Aeternus—I am your brother also. (Girls laugh outright, not 
boisterously.) 

Bella. (coming from behind the table—close to Felix Aeternus— 

Molly also steps forward curiously eyeing the boy.) Now 
you are joking.—Who are you?—Where do you come from? 


23 






Felix Aeternus — I come from above. (No gestures; only liis eyes aloft.) 

Girls . (awed ).—Oh—!—Bella! —(Lay away their parcels on 

chairs and tables—in expectation of developments.) 

Bella .Dear boy— (earnestly)— what is your name? 

Felix Aeternus— Felix Aeternus. (Lights low.) 

Bella . (fascinated—oblivious of herself).— What a strange name! 

— (To the girls.) But is he not a handsome boy! 

Molly .There is something wrong here, Bella.— I see some white 

under his coat.—I think he is a girl in spite of his fanciful 
name—and comes from Agnes. 

(Draws out a footstool from under the table and places it 
in front of the tree.)— Come, Catherine, give me a hand: 
I want to raise him on a pedestal. ("Catherine goes to 
Molly, and each places a hand beneath an elbow of Felix,). 


—Now just mount this throne, and let us see what you 
look like. 

Babette .Molly, you are going too far! (Raises a finger in warn¬ 

ing.) 

Bella .Molly, I am afraid you are toying with—somebody not 

of our kind! 

Molly . (interrupting ).—With an enchanted prince, perhaps; or 


an elf escaped from the woods, this holy night. (To 
Felix.)— Now rise, please, above these earth-born minions 
of yours; won’t you?— (They assist Felix in mounting 
the footstool.)— And now we shall reveal you to the world. 
— (Opens the clasp at Felix’s throat. Felix instantly dis¬ 
cards the cloak, and stands before them in the splendor of 
his real garments.) 


Molly .Lord, what have I done! (Falls on her knees, as all the 

rest, except BellaJ 

Felix . (To Bella,). —Sister mine (extending his arms), I was 

hungry and you gave me to eat! (Spot light, tableau.) 


CURTAIN. 

Note : The curtain remains down no longer than 
thirty seconds, if that much time is required to let Felix 
disappear.—When it is raised again, all lights on the stage 
are out, and come up slowly, the girls singing with anima¬ 
tion the following Chorus: 


24 











NO 12. O Child So Fair And S 

(As the lights are coming up) 


weet 

A. KL AR MANN' 



a tempo 


flU ■ 1 h't , K. 1 K—1—*r 

-tr-S - J)- h -K ■ 1 -. 

1, X-4*- M' J h n J f 

17 1 1 w ~ m- - w~. - 1 ST* 


m m 9 • I" 7 



1 . 0 

r r i 

child so fair and sweet, I 

" * V y rP p f 

3e - hold us at Thy feet, 


2. 0. child from Heav-en come! Thou inakest the earth Thy home: 




25 






















































































Children. 

12. 0 Child so fair and sweet, 

Behold us at Thy feet! 

Singing Thy praise, 

Our voices we raise 

With the angels Thy coming to greet. 

0 Child, from Heaven come! 

Thou makest the earth Thy home: 

Glory to Thee! 

Our Love Thou shalt be, 

Till Thou take us, Thy little ones, home! 

Molly. (arising—out of breath).— Why, Bella! This all went 

off like a flash!—A poor boy—a pretty boy;—a beautiful 
light—and we singing like mad!—And now, all is gone!— 
Oh, I feel so shaky in my knees—I had better sit down. 
(Sits on the floor.) 

Catherine. ..Oh, Bella! I feel as if somebody had run a knife clean 
through me.—But it does not hurt!— (Dubiously.)— I— I 


think I would like to see that boy again.—But such a 
shock!—I thought it was a ghost! 

Molly. ( up , quickly).—Well, if all ghosts are as fair to look at 

as this one, I hope I shall see many more.—Who do you 
think it was, Bella ? 

Girls. (on left).— Oh, Bella, tell us!— (closing in on Bella.) — 

Girls. (on right).—Do, please, Bella! 

Bella. (thoughtfully). —I am afraid— I cannot tell.— I dread even 

to think —it was the Holy Christ Child. 

Molly. (frightened).— No!—Please, no!—The Holy Christ Child 

is in Heaven. 


Catherine. ..Yes— (insistently)— Molly!—But this is Christmas Eve:— 
The Holy Child comes down this night. 


Molly .No, no, Catherine!—Not down here, to us—would He? 

Catherine. ..Then why did you sing to him? 

Molly .I don’t know.—I couldn’t help it, I suppose.—You were 

singing, too—and louder than I.— 

Babette .I didn’t sing.—I just looked on—and watched him.—I 

think I saw dimples in his face. 

Molly .Were you not afraid, Babette? 


26 












Babette .Afraid?—I?—No. (With an eye on the table .)—He was 

so fine a boy—who could be afraid of him ?—(Points at the 
table .)—And he left Agnes’ parcel here, too! 

Bella ....... (taking up the parcel and the rose — surprised). —True, 

true, girls !—(Puts down parcel .)—But look, here is also a 
rose—which he alone can have put here! 

Girls. (on left , pressing upon BellaJ.—O h, how pretty of him! 

Girls. (on right ).—Let us see it, Bella! 

Bella. (ecstatically ).—A rose—the symbol of purity and love! 

Girls .0 Bella, how he must love you! 

Bella. (fastens the rose at her bosom ).—I will wear it for Agnes. 

—Good God, if it was the Holy Child! 

Molly. (excitedly ).—If it was the Holy Child?— Bella, please 

don’t say it!—I tremble to think of it.—I touched him— 
and I called him a girl!—Oh, Bella, Bella! (Buns to 
Bella, and falls on her knees.)— You must pray for me! 
(All girls are agitated—infected by Molly's excitement.) 


All Girls ... (Bushing to Bella, shouting).— Oh, Bella, Bella!—What 


shall we do! (Bella raises up Molly and comforts her, 
stroking her head.) 

Enter Edith and Nancy (excitedly). 

Edith .What is the matter 1—(Looks around.)— Is the tree on fire? 

—What has happened?—Why are you so excited? 

Molly . (wildly rushing to Edith and taking hold of Edith's 


shoulders or sleeves). —Just think of it, Mrs. Hatton!— 
The Holy Christ Child was here!—And I unhooked his 
coat—and called him “ names ’’—and wanted to pat his 
cheeks!—Oh, what will he do to me! 

(Bushes back to Bella, hiding her face on Bella's breast.) 


Nancy . (half sympathetically)—! told you—you would have trou¬ 

ble with them.—The unwonted wealth has turned her head. 
—She is beside herself. 

Babette . (steps up to Nancy,).—' Yes, Miss Nancy: He was here.— 

I saw him smile at Bella. 

Edith .Who was here ? 

Babette .The Holy Christ Child (emphatically) —of course! 

Edith . (interestedly).— Did he say anything? 

Babette .Yes, ma’m.-He told Bella not to forget the hungry and 

the poor (raising a finger for emphasis ).— 


27 


















Nancy .There now!—You beggars are always hungry.— (To 

Edith,) —Ill tell you what all this means:—This ungodly 
talk and conduct of theirs is to show what they think of me! 

Edith .No, Nancy,—I think not.— (Points at Babette.J —This 


baby surely is innocent of fraud and deception. —(To 
BellaJ— Bella— (thoughtfully)— what is there of this con¬ 
fusion and excitement? 

Bella .Mother, I am moved in my innermost soul.—I can form no 

clear thought. (Fascinatedly.) —I see before me a halo 
of the bright hues of the rainbow—and a sweet faced boy 
within it, beckoning me to follow him.—I feel like flying 
away—higher and higher—up to the gates of Heaven.— 
(Coming to herself, brushing over her eyes.) —Oh, I do not 
know what I am saying! (Taking hold of Edith's arm.) — 
But, mother, he was so beautiful! 


Edith . (putting an arm around Bella's shoulders). —Who, my 

child ? 

Bella .That—Felix Aeternus. 

Nancy . (wonderingly). —What a name! (Harshly.) —They are all 

gone daft! 

Edith .Who is Felix Aeternus? 

Bella .The boy who was here. 

Edith .But was there anyone here in the short time that we were 

away? 

Bella .Yes, mother.—Of that there is no doubt.—He came in like 


a poor boy. But he was so fair to see that my eyes seem 
to be veiled since he vanished.—And when he was gone— 
(takes the rose from her breast) — I found this rose on 
Agnes ' parcel. 

Edith . (taking the rose).— There is nothing extraordinary about 

this rose. —He may have bought it at any flower store .— 
(Smells of the rose .)—But it is rather too fragrant for a 
hot-house flower. 


Nancy .Yes— ! Now-a-days these beggars have money for anything. 

Edith . (with a look of reproof at Nancy,).—Y ou were singing, 

Bella—a little while ago?—And a strange melody it was 
to me: I have never heard it. 

Bella . Were we singing, mother? 

Molly .Yes, we were!— That was when he disappeared, and we 

were left in the dark: then we all broke out into song. 


28 

















Edith . (to Molly).— But what was it that you were singing? 

Molly . (confused) —I don’t remember.—Do you, Bella? ('Bella 

shakes here head quietly, thoughtfully.) Or you, Cath¬ 
erine ? 


Catherine .. .No, I can not recall it; I was too scared to remember it. 


Molly .Or anyone of you, girls? (All shake their heads in won¬ 

derment.) 

Babette . (forward)—We sang—“Holy Night.” 

Edith .No, dear.—You sang that while we were still here with 

you. — (Babette puts a finger in her mouth, and retreats .— 
Nancy scowls at the “dear.”) 

Molly .I think—if we — (timidly )— could see him again, we could 


also remember what we sang.—But I am afraid of him.— 
I am all gone to pieces.—My—intimacy—must have dis¬ 
pleased him— (sighing and leaning on one of the girls.) 

Edith .Something out of the ordinary must have occurred.— This 

talk is— (to Nancy) —too well pieced together to be without 
foundation. 

Nancy .Bah!—Their heads are turned, that’s all. They cannot 

bear this sudden prosperity. 

Bella . (Looking into space) —Mother, I think I can recall some 

of that song. (Inclining her head in attitude of listening) 
—I hear it sounding in my heart. 

Edith . (mystified).— You can recall it, child?—Will you sing it 

for us—please? (Looking Bella over, dubiously.) 

Bella .I will try, mother.—Sing with me girls! 

(While Bella is singing the first two lines, the girls eagerly 
listen and step closer to Bella, until they surround her. 
At the third line they join in enthusiastically, all extend¬ 
ing their arms and raising their eyes as in prayer.) 

Bella (devoutly). 

0 Child, so fair and sweet, 

Behold us at Thy feet! 

(Girls joining in.) 

Singing Thy praise, our voices we raise, 

With the angels Thy coming to greet. 

(The second stanza is not sung here.) 

Nancy .Is this the latest one you learned in school?—A Christmas 

hymn? 

Catherine. .. If you will—please—excuse me, madame, and not scold 
me again, I will tell you something. 


29 














Nancy .Well ? ■— Speak up! 

Catherine. .. This song is a brand-new one. We never sang it before 
this evening—did we, girls? ("Girls shake their heads.) 

Edith.I for one do not understand this strange occurrence. 

Nancy .There is nothing to understand in it.—It is a prank for de¬ 

livery at my door—and a good one. 

Bella .Mother, I think—also his words are coming back to my 

mind. 

Babette .Oh, Bella!—I know what he said.—He spread out his arms, 

like this— (extends her arms) —and said: “Sister mine, 
I was hungry, and you gave me to eat”—didn’t he? 
(Children and Bella nod their heads.— Children gently 
clap their hands.) 

Bella .Yes, these are his words. 

Nancy .That’s it, exactly!—I am going home.—This is an outrage! 

Good night! (To Edith.—Nancy exit.) 

Edith . (wickedly — stamping a foot). —Good night, Nan!—Come, 

children! Let us sing a hymn to the Holy Child! 

Molly .Yes, let us sing!—We owe him an apology.—At least I.— 

I hope he will forgive me that I called him 4 4 names. ’ ’ 

Catherine ...But please, don’t sing too loud.—He might come back if 
he hears us—and I am still a little afraid. 

Bella .Oh, come to us, Thou fairest Child! (Sings the first two 

lines of the following hymn alone.—After that, all join in, 
also the chorus.—All kneel, except Bella, facing the 
audience.) 

13. 0 Thou sweetest, fairest Jesus, 

Nevermore from us depart! 

At Thy feet, 0 Infant Savior, 

Let us lay our loving heart. 

("Bella retreats and kneels down on the footstool or in front 
of the tree on the floor. Felix enters unnoticed from left, 
and lays a hand on Bella’s head deeply bowed. Bella 
does not stir.) 

Do not in the stable tarry, 

From the manger set Thee free! 

Lo, our arms are ever open 
To receive and shelter Thee! 

Illumination—Tableau. 

CURTAIN. 


30 












Nancy 


ACT III. 

Scene I.— Nancy's Home. 

(Nancy enters with a handbag.—Takes out, at the table, 
a case with a gold cross and chain which she handles lov¬ 
ingly.) 

(holding the chain) —For Bella!—How proud she will be! 
(Lays the chain aside, in the case, and takes money out of 
her bag.) Now let us see the fruits of this grim harvest— 
(Counts money, but is abstracted—makes mistake—counts 
it over.—At last she pushes the money aside and arises.) — 
What a pestering and persistent thought!—As if I had 
nothing else to think about!—I have no rest since I left 
that house.—I am tempted to cast all this trash out into 
the street—for those merry little beggars to gather up and 
to make merry on.— 

Those youngsters surely had lost their minds from sheer 
exuberance of joy over their unexpected wealth.—Ah, 
the days of happy childhood!—I can recall a time when I 
was happy—but that is past—alas! (With a sigh.) —Yes, 
there was a time when I could be happy over glittering 
trifles: as happy as that rag-doll Babette—or my own 
little queen Bella. (Toys with the gold chain.) — What did 
happen at that house?—That story of the children was not 
one concerted lie.—Children lie piecemeal.—It was not a 
hoax.—Bella would not join in such frolicking.—Besides, she 
was too serious—almost dissolved with some exalted emo¬ 
tion.—Yet I do not want to believe in miracles in this 
prosaic age.—Can it not be explained along natural lines? 
—As autosuggestion, perhaps!—But I feel my hair rising 
when I think of it.—There is the miracle of Lourdes—a 
singular manifestation of heavenly mercy—patent to all 
the world.—A gem fallen from the mantle of the Heavenly 
Queen!—Mary, the Mother of God!—Why did d not 
think of Her to-day—on this, Her day of honor and joy!— 
It would have helped me to suppress my peevishness, and 
to keep it from growing into downright savagery.—I should 
have been more gentle—no—Nancy!—you should have 
stayed at home to-night—knowing what this night means 
for you!— (Stands looking at the cross on the gold chain, 
and then sits down at the table.) 


31 



Enter Maid. 


Maid .Miss Rhoden:—Miss Bella would like to speak to you. 

Nancy . (joyously). —Oh, let her come in! By all means, let her 


come in! (Exit Maid).— It will be a great relief for me 
to unbosom myself to my gentle Bella.— (Arises .)—God 
bless the dear child!—She is the only joy and solace that 
is left for me on earth. 

Enter Bella (in street wear, holding a parcel—her sodality 
veil done up in paper package—in her hand). 


Bella. .I beg your pardon, aunt (laying a hand on Nancy's 

shoulder), for disturbing you so late. 

Nancy .No excuses, dear, for you.— (Bella lays down her parcel 

in the arm chair she is to occupy presently.) What have 
you there?— 

Bella .My sodality veil, aunt.—If I have time after my belated 

visit to Agnes, I will go to Communion at midnight Mass. 
And if not —(raises a hand, pointing upwards). 

Nancy .And if not—what? 

Bella . (solemnly ).—Then the Lord will call me for my permanent 

union with Him. 

Nancy.0 Bella! I wish you would stop this toying with your 


religion!—It gives me the chills to hear you talk so in¬ 
timately of God .—Get over it —will you?—It is a disease 
with you! 


Bella .But, aunt dear! What else are we here for but to love 

God and to do His will ? 

Nancy .Why, child, you are mistaken!—Religion is a medicine for 

our spiritual ills —is it not ? 

Bella .It is, indeed! 

Nancy .Well!—Medicine must be taken in small doses, must it 

not? 

Bella .Pardon me, aunt: but your comparison does not tally.— The 


ills of the body are only temporal ills.—The ills of the soul 
—easily may become eternal ills:—and eternal ills are 
incurable. 

Nancy .It is useless to argue any point of religion with you!— 

You are too full of it.—You are overflowing with it.— 
(Kindly .)—I had this condition of yours in mind when I 
ordered this (displays the cross and chain) for you. (Puts 


32 
















chain on Bella.) —I thought that a cross is the most fitting 
ornament for you—you little cross bearer.— (Patting 
Bella's chin.) —But now: what is the news? 

Bella .Oh, aunt dear, what a beautiful gold cross!—Thank you! 

(Kisses Nancy's hand, hut Nancy takes Bella's face into 
her hands and kisses her.) —I am come to ask a favor of 
you. 

Nancy .That is granted, dear, before you ask it.—Sit down ("Bella 

takes off her hat and coat, and sits down in a deep arm 
chair), —and, first of all, tell me all about that trouble at 
your house this evening. 

Bella .Yes, I also have been pondering over it.—As it is, however, 

I remember little of particular incidents.—It is all like a 
dream to me.—I cannot analyze the impressions of that 
blessed moment.—But they have left, as it were, a sweet 
wound in my soul. I feel—if you permit me to make a 
comparison—as a lamb might feel when about to be im¬ 
molated. 


Nancy .Be that as it may, child.—What I am interested in is this: 

Did you really see anything extraordinary? 

Bella . (thoughtful). — I think we did. 

Nancy .Oh, you think you did!—Well, “an open confession is good 

for the soul."—Were you at that time talking about the 
crib, and the angels, and the shepherds? 

Bella .No, aunt.—We would probably have come to speak of that 


beautiful event of Bethlehem, had we had time.—But I 
had first to give those children their presents.—And as I 
was doing so, the last parcel was received by a boy who 
had not been in the room before.—That parcel was in¬ 
tended for Agnes— you know her— the sick little daughter 
of Mrs. Fronden? 


Nancy . (shrugging a shoulder).— No insinuations, please!— Why 

did he not take the parcel with him? 

Bella .If he was the Holy Child, aunt: does He need such things? 

—And if He was not the Holy Child—how could He mani¬ 


fest Himself amid a halo of light?—And would a poor hoy 
buy roses at this season?—And for me?—And that mys¬ 
tical name: Felix Aeternus! 

Nancy .Huh, child, stop!—What does that name mean?—Can you 

tell me that? 


33 












Bella .Yes, aunt.—I looked it up before I came here. 

Nancy . (eagerly).— Yes!?—Well?—What do the wise men say? 

Bella .It means— “He who is happy forever.”— It means- 

Nancy .Stop, stop, child!—I am getting the googeflesh. 

Bella . (arising and taking Nancy's arm).— Will you not make 


me a present of Mrs. Fronden’s receipted rent bills, aunt ? 
—It is for this that I am come here.—My scant savings all 
have gone for Christmas cheer for the poor.—I have noth¬ 
ing left. 

Nancy . (reluctantly severe). —Bella, you must not interfere with 

my business.—I am neither a miser nor a spendthrift.— 
My insistence on payments, when due—is not merely a 
matter of getting money. —It is as much a matter of “get¬ 
ting even” with those hereabout—who look askance at me 
—as the “maiden sister”—of the rich and happy Mrs. 
Hatton. 


Bella .If this is your business, dear aunt—give it up!—Cast it 

out.—It is an unholy thing! 

Nancy .That is all you know about it. 

Bella .Aunt—please, consider that Mrs. Fronden is reduced to 

pinching want—Mr. Fronden is sick- 

Nancy .No.—Mr. Fronden is dead! 

Bella .Dead!?—Oh, aunt dear: I shall have to tell mother! 

Nancy .Do— of course—do so! —By all means —you little busy* 

body!—Take my advice, Bella, and let me and my tenants 
alone. 

Enter Maid. 

Maid . Mrs. Hatton, Miss Rhoden. (Exit.) 

Nancy. (aside).— Alas my peace!— (To Bella .)— Now, not a word 

of the Frondens!—Not a breath—do you hear me? 

Bella... (anxiously looking about). —Oh, that mother must find 

me here so late! (Sits down in the deep chair.) 

Nancy. (to herself).— Another tilt with that doughty champion of 

the poor!— 

Enter Edith. 

Edith .Good evening, Nancy, for the second time!—It is Christmas 

luck—an earnest of divine favor—to meet and greet friends 
twice to-night—I am on my way to church—come with 
me, sister! People will be looking for you.— 


34 



















Nancy .I told you that I will not go to church.—I don’t care for 

people, and people need not care for me.—Besides, I have 
no time.—I must set up a telegram to my bankers.— 

Edith .Your bankers ?—To-night ? 

Nancy .Yes, to-night.—My bankers are not pious Christians.—It 


is a question of a cool quarter million.—But, of course, that 
is nothing to you.—You look to your husband for your 
support and contentment. 


Edith. (severely).— Nan—how much will you take with you when 

you will die?—It is your insatiable greed for money 
that makes you so harsh— 

Nancy. (sharply and deliberately).—It is not!— 

Edith .You surprise me, Nan! 

Nancy .You ought to know better.—It is the te maiden aunt” that 

is harsh, and not the landowner. 

Edith .Nancy, in truth, yes; I should have known better.—I should 


have remembered what a sad chapter a certain Christmas 
Day forms in your past.—But can you not make a sacrifice 
of it to God—once for good and all? 


Nancy .Your consolation is cheap: you have your devoted family— 

Bella. (arising).— Aunt, you know that we all love you as a second 

mother; that this house is our second home. 

Edith .Are my family not as devoted to you as to me?—My girls 

spend as much time with you, as with me. (To Bella ) — 
But, child, you should be with your sick little friend! 

Bella .Forgive me my tardiness, mother.—But aunt will tell you 

why I called here so late. 

Nancy .Now you put me in a fine stew!—You want me to tell 

why you are here!—A pretty trick of you, Bella! 

Edith .I am not interested a bit in your reason for being late.— 

Let us go, or we both shall be late. 

Nancy .Oh, you may as well know it.—It will add glory to 

her (points at Bella,) crown.— (Mock politeness.)—Mrs. 


Hatton: Mrs. Fronden is a tenant of mine, and is in arrears 
with her rent.—My bashful Miss (bows to Bella,) here— 
would not visit them—before I made her a present of the 
receipted bills.—And I decline to be lectured into being 
“good.”—This is the whole story of her being delayed. 

Edith .Give me the bills.— I will settle for them. 


35 


















Nancy 


You offer me an insult, Mrs. Hatton! ("Bella follows the 
tilt with signs of grief and regret.)— Go and tell them that 
they owe me nothing.—But on the first, they must vacate 
their quarters. (Stares coldly at them.)— Well, can you 
not make up your minds to convey your message of char¬ 


ity?— ("Edith stands wringing her hands— Bella is in 
tears.) —All right \—(Takes up her handbag and money, 
wrapping all in the table cloth.) —Make yourselves com¬ 
fortable here for the night! (Exit with her bundle.) 

Bella . (pleadingly).— Mother, let us go! 

Edith . (with determination). —No, Bella.—Not after this chal¬ 


lenge.—You stay here until I come back.—Miss Nancy has 
a good heart, but not a good temper.—I shall set her right 
in a minute— ’see if I don’t! (Exit after Nancy.) 

Bella alone. (Lights low.) 

Bella . (sits down in the arm chair). —How little it takes to spoil 

so blessed a day!—Such holy memories crowding in upon 
the soul, and so much misery abroad!—Such wondrous 
tokens of the love of God, and so little charity among His 
children!—My heart aches to ponder it all!—Oh, would 
to the loving Christ—I could leave this wretched exile, and 
fly aloft, to rest on the bosom of God! 

(Takes up the cross pendant on the chain, and kisses it. 
Then she reclines her head on the back of the chair, and 
closes her eyes with the cross pressed to her breast ivith 
both hands.) 

(After a short pause) : 

Enter Felix Aeternus. (Lights up slowly.) 

("Felix Aeternus appears in the traditional form—that is 
—in white garments, girdle, sandals.—He stands a little 
back of Bella. — When he speaks, Bella does not look in 
his direction.) 

Felix Aeternus —Bella!— ("Bella gives a little start of surprise.) Go 
to that dying child! 

Bella . (opening her eyes and brushing with a hand over them).— 

Am I dreaming? (Holds up the cross to reassure herself.) 
—I was about this moment, to salute Mary at the crib— 
and the new-born Son of God:—0 Blessed Mother!—How 
long—how long yet (longingly) must I wait! (Again com¬ 
poses herself for silent prayer.) — 


35 







Felix Aetetnus— Bella! (Bella again opens her eyes as before.)—Go 
to your friend Agnes! 

Bella .The thought of Agnes is haunting me!— 

Felix Aeternus—Do not tarry!—Go!—She needs but the hand of 
charity to raise her up. 

Bella . (speaking into space).— Lord, I will!— (To herself.)— If 

mother only would come back!—My anxiety seems to me 
to be a premonition that Agnes is dying.—O God, 
what a happy child!—To be selected—so soon to enter into 
Thy glory!—Oh, how I long to die for her, and to celebrate 
this Christmas in Heaven! 

Felix Aeternus— Bella, charity is acceptable before the face of God.— 
But it is a flower tinted with the blood of sacrifice—("dis¬ 
appears —by stepping quietly into the wings). 

Bella . (taking up the same tone of voice, and continuing)— A 

glorious flower, aye, and yet, a modest flower.— (Holds up 
the rose.) —A flower from the garden of paradise.— (Re¬ 
placing the rose and rousing herself completely, arising, 
and extending both arms towards heaven.)—I would like 
to die, Lord, and go hence!— 

(Lights lower.) 

("Bella stands in deep thought during the singing of the 
first stanza of the following chorus which must be ren¬ 
dered low, and soft.) 

Chorus. 

14. (a) Dear little ones hasten and come one and all, 

To sing to the Savior in Bethlehem’s stall! 

Behold what a treasure of mercy and grace 
The heavenly Father hath stored in this place! 

(At the last two lines, Bella kneels down at the table tak- 
ing out her rosary.—At the conclusion, she modestly recites 
the following prayer): 

Bella .0 my sweetest, fairest Savior: Who didst leave Thy heaven¬ 

ly throne for us—to become a poor child amongst us!—If 
it please Thee—pray!— spare that child—and take me!— 
(Modestly and lovingly.)— If Thou wouldst have a Christ¬ 
mas Bride, place the wreath of Thy love on my brow!— 
My life and my love are Thine: move the heart of my aunt 
to pity and repentance—and let my little friend live for 
her mother! 


37 






(Bella lays her face into her hands at the table.—The 
chorus sings the following verses.—Small red and white 
flowers drop from above around her.) 

Chorus .—(This stanza may be omitted.) 

14. (b) Oh, see in the manger the beautiful Child, 

Enveloped in splendor, still glowing and mild! 

The Child come from Heaven, where every face 
Is fair with the radiance of goodness and grace. 

Chorus. 

14. (c) Come, children, most precious off’ring to bring 
The Savior, who loves you, the Heavenly King l 
Present to Him, free from all seeming and art, 

The choicest oblation— (pause) —an innocent 
heart! 

(Bella arises at the last line, wonderingly looking around 
in the air.) — 

Bella .Whence is this sweet song?—This is Christmas Eve—and 

the saying is—that during this blessed night—the air is 
filled with the chant of angelic choirs.—But—who hears it 
—cannot live!—O my good God!—Wilt Thou—in grace— 
accept my offering?— (Rousing herself.)— Am I en¬ 
tranced?—The atmosphere is filled with the sweet scent of 
lilies and roses.— (Looking around, discovers flowers 
on the floor.)— How are these flowers come here?— (Stoops 
on one knee and takes up a few, arranging them in a bunch; 
caressing it.) —Oh, the innocence and purity of your loveli¬ 
ness l—(Becomes very thoughtful and serious, as by a sud¬ 
den inspiration.)—Ah, sweet Savior!—Thou dost accept 
my sacrifice!— (Again surveys the flowers, and bends her 
face over those she is holding in her hand. — Then :)—O 
fair messengers of a fairer lover \—(Looks steadily aloft 
into space.) — 

Enter Edith (followed by Nancy, who takes cognizance 
of the flowers at once, picks up two or three, lays them on 
the table, and shows displeasure.) 

Edith .Bella, come!—You make your visit to Agnes, and I will 

proceed on to church.—Aunt Nancy will not go to-night.— 
She is feeling faint after all this excitement. (Touching 
Bella at the shoulder.)— But what ails you, child? 

Bella . (abstractedly)— Why, mother *!—(Looking into space.) — 

Edith .You are so impassive—so distant—so abstracted! 


38 






Bella . (smiling at Edith)—I feel very well, mother.—I spent my 

time in prayer while waiting for you to return.—Prayer 
has a tendency of carrying us away—has it not, mother? 

(Edith eyes Bella wonderingly.) 

Nancy .She is a religious enthusiast, and always has been.—Now 

just look here: she has strewn my carpet with flow'ers in a 
fit of her exaltation!—I think she is living through in 
her mind the whole Christmas story—singing with the 
angels and piping with the shepherds.— (Bella puts on her 
coat and hat.—Forgets her veil.) — 


Edith . (indignantly)—A most profitable way of spending Christ¬ 

mas Eve—I should think! (Turns to leave.)— Good night! 

Nancy . (coldly — piqued) —Good night!—You’ll never rid yourself 

of your habit of lecturing! 

Bella . (kissing Nancy,)—I will pray for you, aunt. 

Nancy .Do, please!—I have no time for prayer. 

Edith . (turning around) —Much as you need it! (Nancy turns a 


pair of cold eyes at her, shrugging her shotdders con - 
temptuously.) 

(Exeunt Edith and Bella— Lights low.) 

Nancy (alone). 

Nancy .A harsh finale to a grating medley!—As if the furies all 

were let loose on me at once!—I am certainly out of tune 
with this concert of the Christmas spirit!—Am I, after 
all, headed in the wrong direction?—I have had a clash 
with everyone I have met to-day—and not all these people 
can be wrong—and I alone, right.— (In looking over the 
room, she discovers the parcel on the seat of the chair .— 
Takes it up, takes out the veil and displays it, and goes to 
the door, looking out after Edith and Bella.) —They are 
gone for good and all, this time.—Now I shall have to take 
Bella’s veil—at least as far as the church door!— (Lays 
the veil on the table.—In doing so, she discovers Bella’s 
rosary, picks it up, handling it gingerly.)— Bella prayed— 
probably also for me —or, exclusively for me. —She is much 
concerned about my salvation. — (Pause of deep thought.) 
—After all this life of envy, jealousy, greed—(looking up 
blankly)— what?—It is not fair and just for me—to pluck 
the hot and harsh darts of disappointment from my own 
heart, and plunge them into the hearts of my fellow-men. 
—I have caused bitter suffering to-day.—I have been rude, 
—which is contrary to my habits and principles.—Yet, it 


39 










is—business !— (Stands, staring into space.) — An “un¬ 
holy” thing—Bella calls it!—And so it is! 

Enter Felix. (No illumination.) 

Felix Aeternus— Nancy ! (Softly.) — (Nancy does not stir.) 

Felix Aeternus—N ancy (Emphatically.) — (Nancy gives a start.) 

Nancy. What—what’s this? (Turns quickly and looks terror- 

stricken at Felix.) 

Felix Aeternus— Nancy— you are suffering. —You are not happy.— 
("Nancy drops her arms at her sides, and stares at Felix in 
blank amazement.) — 

Nancy. Mercy, bordl—(Clasps her hands.)— What is this!—It has 

the dying eyes of Agnes!—Is the child dead?—Mercy me! 

Felix Aeternus—B e you merciful! 

Nancy .I have dealt naught but justice to my neigh— 

Felix Aeternus —(interrupting her — emphatically).—I want mercy — 
Mine— is justice! (Taking a step towards Nancy.—Nancy 
retreats.)— “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain 
mercy. ’ ’ 

Nancy. (again retreating a step or two towards the table.—She 

turns her face away, and speaks under her breath). —I am 
not a wicked woman!—I have committed no theft or fraud 
— I—I—my God! (Clasps her hands before her face, and 
sinks onto her knees at the table.) 

Felix Aeternus (raising his right hand against her)—God will examine 
your works, and search out your thoughts! x) 

Nancy. (with hands raised in pleading). — 0 Mercy—do not crush 

me! 

Felix Aeternus— Were it not for the prayers of Bella, and of her 
friends among the poor— you should be called to judgment 
this night— and your fate would he—perdition! 

Nancy. Who are you, child?—Pray (passionately)— who are you? 

Felix Aeternus— (raising a threatening hand).—Thy judge! 

(Lights up.— Nancy swoons, clutching at the table, and 
rests her head on it.) — 

CURTAIN. 

End of First Scene—Act III. 


x) Wis. VI, 4. 

40 









Act III— Scene II. 


Scene:. The same as in First Act. — 1. Agnes is wearing the frock 

presented to her , and bed-room slippers. Bessie and Cath¬ 
erine, sitting up with Agnes.—Bessie is reading aloud the 
Christmas narrative from her bible history , as given below. 
Catherine is asleep at the side of Agnes 9 chair. 

2. Bella is in white , without hat , her hair down. She 
wears the rose at her breast; the chain and cross , and a 
finger ring. 

3. The curtains of the shrine are drawn.—F elix is stand¬ 
ing on the shrine from the beginning of this scene , holding 
a round wreath of white and green in his hands. 

Bessie. (seated on the arm of the chair—reading).— 11 And there 

were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping 
the night-watches over their flocks .’’—(Turning to Agnes, 
and brushing over Agnes ’ face to rouse her.) —Are you 
listening, Agnes?—They were doing just what I am doing 
for you—watching their lambs.— 

Agnes. (heavily) — Bessie, how late is it? 

Bessie. It must be near midnight.—I heard the tramp of those who 

were going to church—some little while ago. 

Agnes.0 Bessie!—I wish it were daylight!—This night is as long 

and slow as a funeral procession!—Why did you turn out 
the light, Bessie? 

Bessie. (jumps from the chair)— Why, Agnes—I didn’t.—Can 

you not see the light? 

Agnes .No, Bessie.—Are my eyes open? 

Bessie. Surely, Agnes!—Wide open!—And you cannot see any¬ 

thing?—I think I will call your mother! (Going out.— 
Aside , frightened) : The poor thing is dying! 

Enter Marion (leading Bella by the hand.—They meet 
Bessie halfway across the room.) 


Bessie. Madame—please—hurry up!—Agnes is— (stands disap¬ 

pointed.— Marion and Bella pay but a moment’s attention 
to her, and hasten to Agnes.) 

Marion. See, Agnes, whom I am bringing you ! (Bella kneels down 

at the side of Agnes and embraces her.) 

Bella. Agnes!—A “Merry Christmas” to you! 


41 













Agnes .0 Bella, Bella!—Thank you!—I was afraid I would never¬ 

more see you before I die!—How good of you to come!— 
I have been longing so much to see you, Bella!—A very 
Merry Christmas to you! 

Bella .It is rather late, Agnes, but it is not my fault.—I did not 

know that you were so ill.—The girls told us of your illness, 
when you did not appear at our little Christmas celebra¬ 
tion.— 

Bessie .Agnes, can you see Bella? 

Agnes .Yes, Bessie.—I can see you, too.—My sight is better since 

Bella has come in. 

Bella .How do you feel, Agnes ? 

Agnes .Bella, when I am with you, I always feel happy.—But I 

have not had a good night.—I am too drowsy to keep my 
eyes open.—Still, I do not want to die to-night.—I want to 
live until Christmas morning. 

Bessie .Yes, Bella: we have to rouse her every once in a while, 

when she falls asleep.—A minute ago, I was awfully scared. 
—Do you think she will die to-night, Bella? 

Bella. (gives Bessie a look of disapproval) — Agnes, you shall not 

die!—(M arion retreats towards the shrine, stands a 
moment, and exit.)—I have some fine gifts here for you, 
dear friend. (Takes off her chain and puts it on Agnes, 
and her ring.) — 

Agnes. (amazed). —Bella, why do you do this? 

Bella .I do not need them anymore. 

Agnes .I do not want your jewels, Bella!—Please take them back! 

Bella .Agnes, I am making this gift to you with all my heart, and 

with full deliberation. 

Agnes.. (frightened). —Bella!—Do you want to deck me out for 

my funeral! 

Bella. (smiling ).—Do not think of it, Agnes!—You will wear 

these things to church for me to-morrow, as I am wearing 
the rose of the Holy Child,—and shall wear it to¬ 
night—to Heaven. (Shows and gives Agnes the rose.— 
Agnes curiously turns the rose in her fingers, and gives 
it back, incredulous.) 

Agnes .Oh, no thought of it, dear!—I cannot even rise to my feet. 

—I am too wretched to leave this couch so soon. 


42 

















Bella .Agnes, I assure you—you will! 

Enter Marion (with a rich silk frock). 

Marion .Look, Agnes, what Bella has brought for you! 

Agnes .Look, mother, what she has put on me! (Shows the chain 

and the ring.) — 

Marion. (To Bella.) —’Mercy, child!—These things are too costly 

for you to give away. 

Bella .I shall wear more precious ornaments ere morning. 

(Marion watches her anxiously.) 

Bessie .0 Bella!—Your people must love you a great deal to buy 

you such precious ornaments! 

Bella .—More precious still—the ornaments that I shall wear 

hereafter.— 

Agnes. (sympathetically, taking Bella's both hands). —Bella, are 

you ill ? (Bella shakes her head, smiling.) 

Marion. (laying the frock on Agnes' lap). —Bella, you are tired 

ou t.—Will you not rest a little—or stay with us until 
morning ? 

Bella. (arising).—I am neither ill, nor tired.— (Solemnly.)— I am 

about to leave this world, and to go to Heaven.— 

Marion. (much concerned ).—Poor child!—You have overtaxed 

your strength ministering help to others.—Come, Bella!— 
Lie down for a few minutes! 

Bella .Madame, I beg of you: please, do spare yourself this need¬ 

less concern about my health.— (Aside .)—Is the veil of this 
earthly life so dense—that no mortal eye can penetrate it, 
and see behind it—God?—(To AgnesJ—I know that I 
have seen Him face to face— 

Agnes .O Bella, how can anyone see God! 

Bella. (fervently).—In prayer!—“Blessed are the clean of heart, 

for they shall see God,”—and prayer does cleanse the 
heart:—He has accepted my sacrifice. 

Marion .What sacrifice did you make— (reverently )—dear child? 

Bella .I prayed to the Infant Savior—asking Him to take my 

life for the life of my dear friend here—(at Agnes,)— and 
to grant the gift of charity to a certain soul—most dear to 
me .—Agnes, I shall be the Christmas Bride to-night—in 
your stead. 


43 


















Agnes .No, Bella! That cannot be! 

Bella.I assure you, Agnes: you are the loser in this—our race 

for Heaven! 

(Marion turns away abruptly—weeping.) 

Bessie .Well, Bella, by this time the Mass must be nearly over.— 

If the Holy Child calls His bride at all, He calls, her at the 
consecration. 

Agnes .Bella, I heard angels’ voices to-night— 

Bella . (taking Agnes by the hand).— The time is near.—Goodbye, 

Agnes! 

Enter Nancy. 

(Nancy and Bella exchange glances of recognition, and 
bow slightly to each other.— Nancy has a parcel in her 
hand, besides a handbag.— Bessie throws up her hands in 


dread of another clash.— Catherine hides behind the chair 


of Agnes.) 

Nancy . (humbly and warmly to Marion .) —Allow me, madame, to 

bid you a happy Christmas! 

Bessie .Oh, what a changed woman! (Catherine comes forward J, 

Marion . (meeting Nancy).—I thank you, Miss Rhoden—and it 

makes me happy to return the compliment. 

Nancy.I beg forgiveness of you, madame, for the pain I have 

caused you and your child this evening! (Marion silently 
throws her arms around Nancy’s neck.)— Thank you, 


Marion—from my heart! —(Goes over, and kisses Agnes.) 


Bessie .Did you ever-! (Brings hands together before her 

breast .)— 

Agnes .0 dear Miss Rhoden!—May God reward you for this kind¬ 

ness! (Nancy pats Agnes’ cheeks.) 

Bessie .Will you forgive me, too, Miss Rhoden—for the saucy 

words I used this evening— please ? 

Catherine .. .And me, too—Miss Rhoden ? 

Nancy .Children, I have nothing to forgive you!—I should rather 


think of thanking you—for helping to bring me back to my 
senses.— (Bessie looks at Catherine, awe-struck, clasping 
her hands— Catherine does the same.—Takes Bessie and 
Catherine together into her arms.) —God bless you, dears! 
—Bella, I brought your veil .—(Gives Bella the parcel.) 
—I expected to meet you at the church door- 


44 















Bella . (joyfully accepting the parcel, and taking the veil out).— 0 

aunt, how dear of you! (Nancy goes over to Marion.) — 
(To Agnes.)— I will wear it as my bridal veil this day— 
and forever! (Bessie and Catherine assist Bella in put¬ 
ting on and pinning the veil.— Agnes watches with great 
interest. Marion and Nancy look on a few moments, then 


smile at each other, as over the i( ceremony of children.”) 

Marion . (aside to Nancy)— Bella seems to make a great ado about 

her sodality veil? 

Nancy .Yes, indeed; and not without reason:—It would appear as 


if she has kept her purity and piety wrapped up in it.— 
But, Marion—let me now— (takes a document out of her 
bag )—offer you my Christmas gift: the deed of this house 
—without a string attached. 


Marion .No, no—! (Pause.) — 

Bessie . (loud and joyously)— Bella, all you need now is a pair 


of wings! (Bella raises a finger to her in friendly warn¬ 
ing.) 

Catherine. ..("to Bessie) —Sh— !—(Also raises her finger.) 

Marion .No, Miss Rhoden!—Let us again be friends together from 

henceforward—and have patience with m e—(a sidelong 
look at Agnes). —I am afraid, I shall soon be able to 
meet all my obligations.—Your goodness is too great! 
(Pushes Nancy's hand aside.) 

(Meanwhile Bella kneels down in front of Agnes, 
and quietly bids her stand up. Agnes earnestly protests 
and resists.— Bella removes the coverlet, and takes Agnes 
by both hands.) 

Nancy .Take it, please, as if the Lord Himself had sent it to you.— 

May He be merciful to me—as I shall strive hard to be kind 
to my brethren. 

(Marion takes document, kissing Nancy's hand.— 
Both retire a step or two, earnestly conferring together 
under their breath) — 

Agnes . (raised up by Bella— standing all a-tremble.— Bella 

holds her by one hand. Bessie and Catherine stand 
amazed, imitating the motions of Agnes.)—M other!—I can 
stand on my feet! (Marion quickly lays the paper aside, 
and rushes towards Agnes.—Bella stops her with a wave 
of the free hand—and releases the hand of Agnes.) — 


45 










Marion .Agnes, you will fall! 

Agnes . (steadying herself, and taking a step forward ).— No, 


mother!—I think I can walk.—(Takes another step.)—I 
feel strong enough to run! 

Marion and Nancy (together).— Merciful God! 


Agnes . (running to Marion and throwing her arms around her).— 

I am well—mother!—Thank God—I am well! 

Marion .How is it possible, Agnes ? 

Agnes .Bella bade me arise—in the name of the Holy Christ Child 

—I did as she told me—and here I stand—as well as ever! 

Marion . (devoutly).— There is an angel in our midst! 

Bella .Yea, even Greater than all angels.— (Points a hand at the 


shrine.— Bessie and Catherine fall on their knees, fear¬ 
fully regarding Bella.—Bella takes Agnes' hand, and 
leads her to the shrine where Agnes kneels down.) —Let 
us thank the Holy Child for His mercy to you and His 
goodness to m el—(The following Chorus sets in directly— 
soft and easy.—During the chorus, all are facing the 
shrine.) 

Chorus. 

15. O priceless treasure, the love of God, 

That is measured by Heaven alone ! 

He stooped to embrace the humble clod, 

And set it upon His throne. 

Bella . (turning to Agnes, who arises and takes her station at 

Bella's left, Bella facing the audience ).— 

It is a priceless boon, indeed, the love of God!— 

Goodbye, dear friends!—And bear my love to— 

Enter Edith (hurriedly). 

my mother! (Flies to Edith, kissing her. Agnes runs with 
Bella.) 

(Edith slowly releases Bella— looks wonderingly around; 
first at Agnes, whom she kisses on the forehead.) — 


Edith .Why this silence and solemnity? (No one moves or speaks, 

all eyes on Bella.) 

Bella .Goodbye, mother! 

Edith .What do you mean, child? (Bella silently points a hand 

aloft.) 


46 













Bella's Goodbye. 

Bella (sings). —16. There is no price in Heaven above, 

No value on earth here below, 

To measure the sweet and undying love 
That our loving God can bestow. 

The world—let it revel in empty delight— 

They court hut death in disguise! 

I will keep the stars of Heaven in sight, 

Which direct me to paradise.— (Piano stops.) 

And now, pray, dear friends, join me in my last tribute of 
gratitude to the Infant Savior!— 

(All surround Bella and move up to the shrine). —Agnes, 
come, let us open the shrine—to dedicate our lives to Him! 
(Bella and Agnes, each at her side, draw the curtains 
hack entirely.)—hook, aunt!—Felix Aeternus! 

(All on their knees.) 

(Bella stands at the side of the shrine, hut addresses 
herself to Felix Aeternus.) 

Bella (sings): 17. 0 Happy x) Thou, Immense Delight, 

Eternal xx) God, my Savior bright! 

Take me— (a step forward, with outstretched arms) — 

I pray, into Thy house, 

Thy child to be—to be Thy spouse! (howing her head , 
and kneeling down on the floor). 

Full Chorus (also those on the scene, except Bella,). 

18. Adeste, fideles, laeti triumphantes, 

Yenite, venite in Bethlehem! 

Natum videte, Regem Angelorum, etc. 

(as provided in the score ). 

Note:. 1. At the beginning of the “Yenite, Adoremus,” Felix 

elevates the wreath to the height of his eyes. This is the 
signal for Bella to arise. She ascends the kneeler at the 
foot of the shrine, and receives the crown, or wreath, stand¬ 
ing. Then she descends, without turning away from Felix, 
and kneels on the kneeler, and the “Adeste" is sung to 
the end. 


x) Felix, xx) Aeternus. 


47 




2. When the Chorus repeats the “Natum videte,” Bella 
arises from her knees and stretches out her arms towards 
Felix. —Gradually her arms sink down, her head droops. 
—At the word: “Dominum” of the last line, Bella wavers 
and gives a slight lurch backwards.—All up from their 
knees for an instant.—The Chorus sings the “Alleluia.” 
Edith and Marion grasp her at the arms, and gently 
let her slide down on the kneeler: Bella (on her knees) lays 
her head on her left arm, holding her hands laid one over 
the other, at the feet of Felix.— 

3. The second stanza of the “Adeste” is optional. But if 
it is to be sung, the directions given above for the first 
stanza, then apply to the second. 

At all events, the Alleluia may not be omitted. 
CURTAIN. 

THE END. 



4b 
















